The basement is one of the most vulnerable areas of the house when it comes to water retention. If you have noticed dampness, a musty odour, peeling paint and signs of condensation, it is possible that excessive moisture is getting into the room. You are advised to deal with potential leaks and if necessary, perform repairs before the situation leads to water damage, which could compromise your foundation. Here are some tips to help you deal with moisture in the basement.
Thorough inspection to locate the leak
The first step towards waterproofing a basement should be locating the source of the leak. The best approach to this stage is to start working from the roof downwards. Check the gutters and the downspouts because there are many times that the leak comes from this part of the house. If the gutters and downspouts are clogged, they will allow water to soak through and travel down, pooling near the basement. Ensure that your gutters are carrying rainwater five meters away from the house or more.
Removal of trees and vegetation near the house
If your compound has flower gardens and other plants, you should make sure that trees and other shrubs are planted at least one foot away from the foundation. When trees start surrounding the basement, they crowd other structures and cause stagnation of water. Tree roots also affect the foundation when they penetrate the structures and cause obstructions in the water pipes. As you remove the vegetation, check whether there are any cracks in the driveway and patio. These openings could quickly become an entry point for water into the basement. Sealing them will protect the basement and the foundation.
Drainage of stagnant water in the yard
Water that pools in your yard could be another excellent source of moisture in your basement. Try and figure out the cause of the stagnation, because most of the times, poor soil quality and inadequate drainage systems lead to standing water in the yard. Fix the drainage problem and if the water is flowing in from a neighbouring property, liaise with them to get it resolved.
In addition to the above tips, broken plumbing structures such as leaking pipes in the walls near the basement could also be the source of moisture. Check for signs of wet patches and if present, hire a professional plumber to repair the leaks. The expert will even know the additional measures to take to ensure that your basement is thoroughly waterproofed.